Is Istanbul safe for tourists?

Weather, airfare and upcoming local events are criteria that typically factor into travel decisions. This week, however, far greater concerns are on the minds of potential visitors to Istanbul. Ongoing local protests, government retaliation and related unrest in the city have many wondering if they should pull the plug on upcoming trips or make any new plans at all.

The British government has warned its citizens to avoid demonstrations in Istanbul and Ankara, and the US state department urges travelers to be "alert to the potential for violence".